Cox’s Bazar World’s Longest Natural Beach
by Arifur Rahman Khadem 

A lovely look of Natural Cox's Bazar Beach.

Whenever people talk in general about Bangladesh, they either call it a flood affected country or a country with full of population. Being a Bangladeshi Australian, I also do not disagree with this comment as I was born in that country. This is simply a comment made by individuals who generally hear this from others. In other words, we can call it ‘Words of Mouths’. But the people who have ever practically experienced Bangladesh, her culture, hospitality and friendship with rural Bangladeshis will have some other things to talk about. Because it has a plenty of good things to share with others although good things about this country have mostly been skipped since its independence in 1971. 

In terms of land, the country being one of the smallest is recognised for its wide sandy beautiful beach which is declared the longest natural sandy sea beach in the world. Cox’s Bazar a town, a fishing port and district headquarter is located in the South-East part of Bangladesh and about 400km from the Capital, Dhaka, holds the title of becoming the only shiny and golden glittering longest beach with an unbroken 150 miles sandy sea beach with a gentle slope. This is also well known as one of the shark free beaches. However, its depth in the ocean is still undiscovered. It is also competing heavily with Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay to be nominated for the most beautiful Seascapes as part of the New 7 Wonders of Nature Contest.

Beach view from the top of the Mountain.

It must be a great news for beach lovers or travellers with this unveiled history. This beach is slightly different to many beaches in the world, not only due to natural beauty but cultural richness and heritage. More than thousands of sea-creature made their home in this sea. The sand on the beach is very soft and it is pleasure to walk bare foot on sand. You can explore the beach by horse riding, which costs less than a dollar while sailing on boats but life vest must be worn. Moreover, there are many beach buggies designed to drive on areas covered in sand. They are colorful and of different styles with large wheels, such as motor cycle and racing car styles with two to four seats on them. At the same time, you can enjoy playing beach ball with your family and friends. Cricket and beach volleyball are getting very popular nowadays due to ample space. You along with your children can make huge sandy sculptures and fly the kites. You will also see many birds including the most popular sea-gull in and around the beach. To identify them, it has short legs, long wings and white and grey feathers. Your kids will be excited to see the flock of sea-gulls.

Road from Cox's Bazar to Takenaf.

Beach bazar is only a few km away from the beach. You can buy sea-made jewelry items that can easily attract your body. Of many hotels around the beach, there is a five start hotel known as Sea Gull Hotel. Although there are many hotels in and around the beach town, it is recommended that you book them in at least a month before you plan to travel. Nothing can beat the taste of sea-food items in beach fast food shops. The surrounding areas of the beach are also extraordinary. Himchari is the hilly regions which are connected with the marine drive that stretches up to Innani Beach. The area is covered by mountains. It takes 20 minutes to go up the top of the mountain by hiking. You will be quite impressed to see the beach at sun-set. If you, however, wish you can drive 150 miles along the shore of Chittagong division starting from Cox’s Bazar to Takenaf district (one end of Bangladesh/bordered with Myanmar) guided by a local tour guide. This will certainly give you the most unforgettable experience you may ever have. Upon arrival in the small town of Tekenaf, you will not miss hills and a beautiful river called Naf. Further south to Takenaf is St. Martin Island which is the paradise in Bangladesh. The beach is white and the water is blue. You can enjoy numerous fresh sea fish from the roadside eateries. The experience of seeing sunrise or sunset or spending time in the beach in moonlit will make you think life has some other meaning other than fast pacing city or all the troubles of the world. You will enjoy the whole journey.

A five star holiday hotel in Cox's Bazar.

But considering Bangladesh is currently one of the poorest economies, you have to be prepared to face many logistic challenges and have to be prepared to sacrifice many comforts of a frequently travelled tourist spots of the world. In fact, if are ready to face some real challenges you will undoubtedly enjoy the tour. Although you can travel Cox’s Bazar and Takenaf throughout the year, you may not like the hot and humid weather in some parts of the year. So the best time to travel these three districts is between November and March. 

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